A major park clean-up took place on Saturday, August 24 in Elardus Park east of Pretoria, where tons of trash have been collected.
The Piering Park cleanup was a joint effort to keep public spaces safe and clean by the Welriet non-profit company and Lyttelton Sector 4 Community Policing Sub Forum (LS4 CPSF).
The clean up comes as the public space on Piering Road has turned into a breeding ground for crime, illegal dumping, vagrancy, and public drinking.
The park has also been turned into an illegal taxi rank, with scores of taxis parking there, however the metro and community members are working hard to fence the area to secure the park.
Welriet NPC and LS4 spokesperson Shawn Fouché said the joint effort saw a wave of cleaning and restoration efforts, aimed at eradicating the scourge of illegal dumping, vagrancy, and crime, that had infested this cherished area of Elardus Park.
Fouché said the event had an impressive turnout, with local residents rolling up their sleeves to pick up trash.
“Crime and a dirty, untidy place goes hand in hand, as thieves can easily hide in a dirty place with overgrown grass and attack unsuspecting victims.”
Fouché said litter and hazardous waste dumped on the banks of the Apies River, which through the park, and has washed in has contaminated the river.
“For many years, Piering Park has been a problem for the people who live close by. The Apies River running through the park is now dirty.”
She said Tshwane refuse collectors were on hand to ensure the swift removal of the filled trash bags, making the park cleaner and more inviting for everyone.
According to her, residents are scared to walk through the park due its deterioration.
Local community organisations have held multiple clean-up campaigns at the park that have been set back by the lack of proper fences.
Fouché said this cleanup is just one of many initiatives Welriet NPC is hosting throughout the summer to maintain the beauty and safety of the area.
“These efforts are crucial, as clean and well-maintained areas are vital to the health and well-being of our community.”
She said the park in particular is set to undergo significant improvements.
“Plans are in place to clear the stream and restore its flow, instal fencing for added safety, and, with the community’s help, be it by means of donations, sponsorships, or becoming a contributing member of Welriet or even offering your time, this will enable us to create a bike track and play areas for children to enjoy safely,” she said.
Fouché added that these ambitious plans may only come to fruition with continued support from local residents.
“The success of Saturday’s clean-up is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together.”
She said as Welriet NPC and LS4 CPF continue their work, they invite everyone to join in future clean-ups efforts and help make the community safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable for all.
A resident who lives next to the park, Will Morris, said over the 23 years he had been living in Elardus Park, he had witnessed the park taking different shapes and conditions due to a lack of upkeep and protection from the metro.
“Back in the day the park used to be a beautiful and peaceful place for residents to take walks, to unwind and for kids to ride bicycles and play but now people are scared going to the park.”
Morris said he had witnessed people come and go in the area as the park devolved into a problem.
“One of my neighbours last year who was facing the park directly sold her house, however, the property value dropped as buyers pointed out concerns of dumping and security, owing to the park.”
Visit the website for the next clean-up date: www.welriet.co.za
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